Crossway Christian Church

Given who this book is about - namely, Jesus Christ - this book starts off in an unexpected place. We're told about two people, a husband and wife, named Zechariah and Elizabeth. As seemingly insignificant we come to understand that it takes on greater significance.

These verses tell us why Luke wrote his Gospel, what his Gospel is all about, and what spiritual benefit we can hope to gain by reading it.

Reformation Sunday

In these final verses, Paul builds on everything else that he has touched on in this letter, showing how to further gospel ministry. He envisions Christians investing in the lives of other Christians who in turn invest in the lives of others.

By God's grace, we are to respond to the calls we hear to godliness. We do it, remembering God's grace, remembering that we are not accepted because of our godliness. But because we are already accepted in Christ, we should pursue godliness and good works.

Grace brings us to salvation, trains us for godliness, focuses us on the future and prepares us for ministry

The threat of conformity to the world is all around us. Here we will see that Paul's concern is that we live a life shaped by the gospel, not the culture.

Why are godly pastors needed to shepherd the church? Because there are false teachers leading people astray. This message gives us a description of false teachers, and helps us to understand what we should do to protect the church from them.

Paul gives Titus his instructions for the work he is to do in Crete: a work that will establish godly leadership in the church.

What Christians believe and how they live is important. Bridging the gap doesn't come by new ideas or methods, but by remembering, reclaiming and refocusing ourselves around the grace of God in the gospel of Christ.

Fast from food in order to feast on the Word amidst your time in prayer. Why? Because God’s Word is our lifeline to God himself.

Fasting and prayer in our pursuit of righteousness.

Here we see exiled Israel fast and pray.

Religious hypocrisy has no part in the kingdom. Jesus give his disciples some specific directions for fasting.

Why should Christians fast?

Here we see just one example of how prayer and fasting have been an integral part of the fulfilling of God's purposes in the world, as he advances his plan to redeem and preserve his people for the glory of Christ.

What is the role of a Deacon?

In these final verses we see Daniel being given his final orders. God's final vision to Daniel brings together all that he has seen before and ensures he will be encouraged on to the very end of his life. Our passage shows us how we can take comfort and refuge in God when we encounter adversity.

Daniel is again being shown that there will be a never ending conflict between God's people and the sinful kingdoms of the world. Yet, in the end, it is the kingdom of God and his people that will endure, leaving the world's kingdoms broken and fallen.

Here, God gives Daniel yet another vision, bringing a greater understanding of the spiritual realities behind the everyday coming and going of God's people in the world.